A handshake can make or break a first impression. Not too strong but not too weak, the perfect solid handshake is often tough to master.

Steps

1

Identify the person whose hand you will be shaking. This means judging if they seem like the type of person who will throw their hand towards you, or simply put it out for you to shake. This is a key step because if you are expecting the latter but receive an aggressive hand motion, your shake will be off mark.

2

Once you figure out how to approach the handshake, prepare your hand. Make the muscles in your hand and wrist a little tense, so that you are prepared for anything.

3

With your hand in the standard handshaking position, move accordingly to how your partner is going in for the handshake. If it is an aggressive attack, don't respond with an aggressive thrust forward. Simply keep your hand at a comfortable distance and prepare. If your partner is waiting for you to move forward, do so with at a relaxed speed.

4

Once your hands are together, it is always good logic to move the hand up and down three times. Do not break the handshake before this, for it may come off as bad manners. Keep a firm grip throughout.